DC_Midweek_100522

D-427 parents sound off on graduation scheduling conflict for boys track and field

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Parents of Sycamore High School student athletes expressed dis may Tuesday, Sept. 27, with the district’s plans to hold the Class of 2023 graduation the same weekend as the state boys track and field meet. As a result, the Sycamore School District 427 board could vote to move the May 26 graduation date, pending an October vote.

“We were interested to find out the date because if it falls on Memorial Day week end. The senior track members typically are going to miss the awards night, gradua tion practice and the senior dinner, which we’re used to that,” said Dave Emmert, a parent of a Sycamore High School senior who participates in track and field.

“We never imagined that the senior track members are now going to miss their own graduation,” Emmert said.

The Illinois High School Association state final for boys track and field is sched uled to take place May 25 through May 28 in Charleston. Parents said that would force student athletes to pick between two events that culminate at the end of their high school careers.

Nicole Crome, a mother of two track and field athletes at Sycamore High School, including a senior, said the older of her two sons is excited to graduate, but he’s also excited to possibly represent his school in the state finals as a pole vaulter. Her younger son has a goal of getting to state as well.

“It would be very heart-wrenching for these boys, who work so hard, to choose between graduating with their classmates,

or seeing siblings and friends graduate or heading to state to compete, to compete for track for SHS,” Crome said.

Graduation for Sycamore High School seniors was cemented for May 26 during the Sept. 13 school board meeting without much discussion from board members. Graduation has historically been held on a Sunday. Before that meeting, however, Sycamore High School principal Tim Carl son told Superintendent Steve Wilder the usual date at Northern Illinois University’s Convocation Center wasn’t available.

Holding graduation at 7 p.m. May 26 was the closest to the normal date and time the district could come up with, Wilder said.

Board member Kris Wrenn said she was not aware of overlapping events when she placed her vote for the May 26 date two weeks before. She said she was instead made aware of the conflict the next morn ing through phone calls and emails from concerned parents.

“An interesting thing happened,” Wrenn said. “I actually found myself defending the vote and the administration for bringing the date forth. And then the more I talked and listened I realized, ‘No, wait a minute. This is wrong. What hap pened was wrong.’ If I had known about the conflicts, I would have asked more ques tions. I would have – at least tonight – voted differently.”

Wrenn said there might always be sched uling conflicts for graduation, even among past dates. But Wrenn said she disapproved of the district asking Sycamore students families to choose between their high school graduation and an IHSA state event.

“And to me, that’s just wrong,” Wrenn said. “We should represent and value our

relationship with our student athletes, whether it’s one of them or a team of them, and allow them to succeed at both that event as well as be present at graduation, and not ask them to try and juggle both things in basically probably less than a 12-hour time span.”

Wrenn said she wasn’t sure how to pro ceed but felt that her previous vote wasn’t done in good faith because she “didn’t have all the details.”

Board member Julenne Davey said she “couldn’t agree more” with Wrenn. Board member Micheal DeVito II said he also agreed but worried about what choices are left for the high school if the board chooses to back out of its contract with NIU for use of the Convocation Center.

Wilder said he’d already spoke with Carlson about changing the location of graduation to accommodate for a cere mony held on Sunday.

“We believe that we know we can tell NIU that we don’t want to use the Convoca tion Center, which is what it would come down to,” Wilder said.

If the graduation date is moved, the cer emony likely would be held at the field house at Sycamore High School. A decision to potentially move the graduation’s date and location is now on the agenda for the next board meeting Oct. 11.

Wilder said Carlson did most of the leg work for the initially proposed date and location, but he took responsibility for not giving the school board more details about potential scheduling conflicts May 26 before the Sept. 13 vote.

“I apologize to the board and the com munity members that are here for that,” Wilder said.

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ON THE COVER

On Friday, Sept. 30, Austin Cliffe gestures to one of his pawpaw trees while talking about what he does to grow North America’s largest fruit in the city of DeKalb.

See story, page 6.

Photo by Camden Lazenby –  clazenby@shawmedia.com

CORRECTIONS

Accuracy is important to The Midweek and it wants to correct mistakes promptly. Please call errors to our attention by phone at 815-526-4411, or email readit@ midweeknews.com.

The Commitment of Resource Bank

Chapter Four Community

generations of my family were born and raised in the Malta community, and you may have visited our family business, Jonamac Orchard. My grandparents lived on Sprague Street, and I recall them having a large garden that they spent many hours tending, beginning with the first tillage in the spring, to planting, pulling weeds, and harvesting all summer and into fall. They also composted the lawn and garden waste so it could be reused each spring to fertilize the garden. Grandpa explained that when he grew up on the farm, there were no commercial fertilizers, so you had to use and conserve what was available because that was all you had.

Five

By mid-summer, they usually had more produce than they could use and eagerly gave it away. I think they enjoyed giving it away as much as they enjoyed eating it. My grandparents taught us that if you put in hard work and effort, your backyard garden would take good care of you, your family, and your neighbor’s family. The same hard work and effort it takes to grow a garden is also needed to sustain and grow a community, but the rewards and the shared success are well worth it.

Being a locally owned community bank means that everything is homegrown, from resources found right here. Our owners and employees may be your neighbors, sit behind you in church, or have children that play soccer with your children. Our business customers depend on the local economy to have viable, sustainable businesses so they can take care of their families. We all work together to make our local garden great.

Stop in today to see how much of a difference being local can make. We would be honored to meet with you.

Kevin McArtor, Director of Business Services

Communities

Believing In The American Dream

Data center grants program to benefit DeKalb County

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Meta, the parent com pany of Facebook, has announced the inaugural launch of a data center com munity action grants program for communities in DeKalb County.

Applications will be accepted now through Oct. 21, with awards expected to be announced and dispersed in spring 2023.

The initiative provides a way for Meta to give back to communities where the company operates a data center.

Matt Sexton, community develop ment manager for Meta, said that with the DeKalb data center expected to come on line next year, it made sense for Meta to launch the Data Center Community Action Grants program.

Schools and nonprofit groups are among those eligible to apply for the grants.

Sexton said those interested are encouraged to submit grant applica tions featuring projects that highlight critical community needs by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connect people online or off, and improve local sci ence, technology, engineering and

mathematics (STEM) education.

A grant review committee will be composed of DeKalb Data Center employees and tasked with judging the merits of each application.

Sexton said the grant awards will vary in value anywhere from $5,000 up to $50,000 based on the project that’s pitched in the application. Generally, Meta has between 10 and 20 awards to

offer in a given cycle, he said. “Obviously, there’s varying ranges of kind of impact and lives touched and different kinds of parameters that will ultimately determine individual grant’s competitiveness,” Sexton said. “That site team will independently and then collectively rank them all. Those, like I said, will be announced and the awards dispersed in the spring

of 2023.”

When asked what makes for a suc cessful grant application, Sexton said there’s a lot for eligible applicants to take into consideration.

“I think obviously when a program or a proposal can hit more than just one of the three primary criteria, that’s always good,” Sexton said. “Obviously, impacting local youth makes for a really strong one with all of the schools and nonprofit groups toward different ages of youth across the county. Projects that speak to the kind of individual nature and given vitality of the DeKalb County commu nity. There’s so many great nuances and unique flairs that make any of those communities such a great place to raise a family. That’s a big part of the reason why we chose DeKalb County to build our data center.”

Sexton emphasized that Meta is looking to make an annual commit ment to this program in DeKalb County.

“This won’t be the one time this will be in the community,” he said. “This is the first time. If awards aren’t selected for any given reason this time, it would give those groups an opportunity to refine and look toward submitting next year.”

Much Ado About Nothing Oct. 7-9 and 13-15

The Arts at NIU

MUSIC

niu.edu/music

Oct. 6 Big Band Jazz Concert, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 Wind Ensemble, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13 Fall Choirs Concert, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 Jazz Faculty Showcase, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19 NIU Philharmonic Orchestra, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 Wind Symphony, 7 p.m.

Nov. 2 NIU New Music Festival, 7 p.m.

Nov. 3 NIU New Music Festival, 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 NIU New Music Festival, 7 p.m.

Nov. 6 Percussion Ensemble, 3 p.m.

Nov. 9 University Jazz Concert, 7 p.m.

Nov. 13 Cor Cantiamo, 3 p.m.

THEATRE

niu.edu/theatre

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Directed by Kay Martinovich

Oct. 7-9 and Oct. 13-15

Sally Stevens Players Theatre

Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles

Sept. 23-25 and Sept. 29 - Oct. 1

Black Box Theatre

Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books

NIU Art Museum, Altgeld Hall Aug. 23 - Oct. 15 niu.edu/artmuseum

“Meeting of Makers: Merging of Space” Invitational exhibition of artist printmakers with interest in installation

Jack Olson Gallery, Jack Arends Hall Aug. 29 - Oct. 27

Scott Anderson file photo – sanderson@shawmedia.com

An aerial view of the Facebook’s DeKalb data center site shows the progress of the 500-acre project July 26 in DeKalb. Facebook’s parent company, Meta, announced earlier this year that the data center expanded into three buildings, bringing with it a community investment that totals more than $1 billion.

BRIEFS

Glidden Homestead fundraiser dinner planned Oct. 15

DeKALB –The J.F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center will host a “His Land is Our Land: The Legacy of a Local Land owner” fundraiser from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Hopkins Park Terrace Room, 1403 Sycamore Road.

The event will honor the contribu tions made by barbed wire baron Joseph Glidden, which include the railroad, a university, a school, a hotel and a hospi tal, all of which make up the legacy of a local landowner.

Dinner is being catered by Country Store and Catering. There also will be a raffle of a variety of items and a cash bar. Live music is being provided by local musician Jim Kanas.

Tickets cost $40 per person, $75 for two, or a table of eight for $300. To buy tickets, call 815-756-7904, email info@ gliddenhomestead.org, or visit the museum, 921 W. Lincoln Hwy., between noon and 4 p.m. on Sundays.

DeKalb library to host laser cutting workshop Oct. 7

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a laser cutting workshop at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, in the

library’s 309 Creative Room. The work shop is intended for teens and adults.

Patrons can use the Lightburn laser program to carve a Halloween design into a piece of wood. There will be many designs to choose from.

No experience is needed to partici pate. Patrons will learn how to use the Lightburn program before carving their design.

Because of limited space, the work shop is first come, first served.

For information, email techdesk@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

Read to Rover program returns to DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host two Read to Rover sessions at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, and Oct. 21, in the library’s children’s department.

Children, age 5 and older, can register at the Youth Reference Desk for a 10-minute time slot to read to Emma, a collie and Canine Good Citizen, during the program.

For information, visit the library’s Youth Services Desk or call 815-7569568, ext. 3350.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

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TALK. YOUR KIDS WILL LISTEN.

IT’S TIME TO START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE USE.

When you’re ready to talk to your kids or students about drugs and substance use, we’ll be here to help. The DeKalb County Partnership for a Substance Abuse Free Environment (DCP SAFE) is a community coalition that has been serving DeKalb County since 1989. The coalition promotes community-based substance misuse prevention, wellness and healthy lifestyles for youth, adults and the entire community. Changing the direction of someone’s life can start with a single conversation.

Visit our website for more information and conversation starter tips, www.nm.org/dcpsafe.

Funded in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center

Member FDIC

COVER STORY

‘WE’RE DOING ILLINOIS PROUD’

DeKalb man wins Ohio Pawpaw Festival with homegrown fruit variety

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Austin Cliffe said he’s “been riding the high of the win” after he claimed the top prize at an Ohiobased festival celebrating America’s largest native fruit – the pawpaw.

Cliffe, 40, of DeKalb participated in the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, held Sept. 16 through 18, in Albany, Ohio. But he didn’t anticipate winning the festival with his homegrown DeKalb pawpaws. When Cliffe found out his cluster of Tollgate variety had been awarded the title of Best Pawpaw, he burst through his tent to tell his wife.

“I woke her right out of a nap,” Cliffe said Friday as he toured the grove of pawpaw trees growing in his backyard on Kendall Lane.

“I was napping in my tent at the time after a rough night’s sleep in the ice cold tent the previous night,” said Susan Stephens, 55. “So yeah, Austin woke me up by bursting through the tent and saying ‘Look’ and holding up the plaque.”

Cliffe’s winning pawpaws were judged on a handful of factors includ ing taste, color, texture and pulp-toseed ratio. The somewhat unknown fruit is native to the mid-Atlantic, spe cifically to eastern U.S. and tastes like a mix between a banana and a mango.

“And don’t tell Austin this, but I was surprised, I was very surprised because it’s always a hot competition and there are a lot of great pawpaws entered into it,” Stephens said.

The married couple of five years started attending the Ohio festival a several years ago as a way to learn more about the pawpaws. Cliffe said after he started growing the fruit in 2014, he wanted to see what the very best pawpaws looked and tasted like, and he also wanted to learn more about growing them and the associated community.

Cliffe said the festival seemed like a good place to go for a fruit grower like himself. Offering pawpaw beers and jam bands, the festival is also an event where Cliffe could learn how to grow different pawpaw varieties.

“So you can learn a lot there, too,” Cliffe said. “It’s almost like a 4-H festi val or something like that, you know. And then it’s probably the easiest place to taste the best pawpaw that you can find.”

Cliffe had placed second and third in previous years but winning against

people from the fruit’s more native country – namely Appalachia – was a big deal, Stephens said.

“So we’re doing northern Illinois proud. Bring our pawpaw into their ter ritory, and having it chosen as best, and I really think just everything went right for us this time,” Stephens said.

Cliffe’s winning pawpaws were grown from only a couple of branches. Those tree limbs were created when a cultivar from Tollgate Gardens and Nursery in Bellevue, Michigan, was grafted on to rootstock acquired in Paw Paw, Illinois.

“Basically, you take material from one tree that ... has proven to have good quality fruit, and then you graft it onto another rootstock via some way or another,” Cliffe said. Everything below the graft line is rootstock and every thing above it would genetically be the other tree, Cliffe said.

Cliffe and Stephens said a little luck helped them with the growing season this year.

“Our weather cooperated, the ripe ness and the right time really worked out,” Stephens said. “I think we have something to be proud of, but I think

Susan Stephens DeKalb pawpaw grower

northern Illinois has something to be proud of because this is northern Illi nois pawpaw.”

The ripeness of the fruit was para mount to their success, the pair said. Like a banana, the taste and texture of a pawpaw can vary wildly depending on ripeness. Some like the fruit green with a slight brown overture and others pre fer to eat them once the skin has turned into a darker, browner color.

Cliffe said it’s hard to describe how a

pawpaw tastes because the fruit can have “surprisingly different flavor characteristics.” While tasting a variety of different apples would yield similar flavors and textures, pawpaws can have textures that range from watery to custardy, or firm and fleshy, said Cliffe. Pawpaws also can be sweet like a dessert or exceptionally bitter.

“But a good one typically has sort of like banana-ish texture, maybe more like a custard or pudding, I would say,” Cliffe said. “This is personal opinion but with maybe slight pear grit and kind of a flavor that’s more or less in between those two things but with notes of like pineapple or mango, or vanilla, cinnamon, other things. There’s a lot going on in these.”

Since winning the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Cliffe said he’s been enjoying the end of pawpaw season and is focused on finding others with his pas sion in the area.

“I’ve been riding the high of the win by networking with people in the area that are growing it due to the interest,” he said. “So it’s resulted in a lot of good personal growth I guess in that arena for me.”

Camden Lazenby – clazenby@shawmedia.com

The last of Austin Cliffe’s pawpaws from the 2022 growing season hang on a tree Friday, Sept. 30, in his backyard.

“Our weather cooperated, the ripeness and the right time really worked out. I think we have something to be proud of, but I think northern Illinois has something to be proud of because this is northern Illinois pawpaw.”

BRIEFS

Hispanic 4-H Juntos Family Experience set for Oct. 5

DeKALB – The community is invited to a free Hispanic 4-H Juntos event, pre sented primarily in Spanish to learn more about resources available in the commu nity to help with youth, parental and occupational support.

The Hispanic 4-H Juntos Family Expe rience will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Northern Illinois University’s Latino Resource Center, 515 Garden Road in DeKalb, according to a news release.

The event will be presented primarily in Spanish and includes discussions on Parent University, vocational and dual credit opportunities for youth and undoc umented students, as well as a panel of Latino university students to talk about their college experience.

There also will be free childcare with activities provided during the presenta tions for younger children who attend. Everyone is welcome at this 4-H Juntos Experience.

For those in need of reasonable accommodations to participate in pro gramming, call the DeKalb County Exten sion office at 815-758-8194. Early requests are strongly encouraged to

allow sufficient time for meeting needs.

Illinois Extension leads public out reach for University of Illinois by translat ing research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses and commu nity leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions and adapt to changes and opportunities.

Game on! Teen tournaments planned at DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host two teen gaming tournaments from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, in the library’s Teen Room.

The tournaments are open to teens in sixth through 12th grade.

Participants can test their PS4 gaming skills against other teens. Games include “Madden 22,” “NBA 2022”and “MLB The Show: 2022.” The winners will receive a candy prize. Free pizza is being provided by Vinny’s. Because there are only 16 spots available in each tournament, registration is required. To register, sign up in the Teen Room.

For information, email yooneks@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2450.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

LOOKING BACK

1922 – 100 YEARS AGO

Everybody in DeKalb who is inter ested in DeKalb’s milk supply should now understand why good milk is demanded. We have tried to explain why cows should be tubercular free, why no milk man should be a communicable dis ease carrier, how essential it is to have sanitary conditions in and around the milk barn, why milk should be produced under aseptic conditions and in what manner it should be distributed. Since we know the necessity of a safe milk supply it rests with the people of every community to see that they get a safe supply. For this purpose the city council of the city of DeKalb has seriously con sidered the passage of a milk ordinance.

Through the courtesy of George Prescott of the Prescott bicycle shop, the state teachers college is the posses sor of a Columbia bicycle, more com monly known as a high wheeler. Mr. Prescott during the summer rode the cycle on the streets of DeKalb and caused much comment on the appear ance of the wheel which is very odd and different from those of today.

Alderman H. H. Hanway makes a report today that someone entered his carpenter shop yesterday, helped him self to a plane, saw and other tools, did some work while at the shop, and then went away with the key to the place. The party left the floor well littered with shavings. Mr. Hanway says he does not care so much about the work necessary to clean up the shop, but he would like to have his tools and especially the key returned to him.

Much excitement was caused this morning when the horse on one of the Brennan milk wagons in Sycamore took a notion to run off without the driver. The animal got a good start and came down Maple Street at a fast rate of speed, the wagon swaying from one side of the road to the other. As no other vehicles on the street to swerve or change the course, the animal flew down the road until it reached the barn. Here both horse and wagon swung around the bend into the yard, making the corner on about two wheels. At the excessive rate of speed at which the wagon had been traveling and the sud den turn into the yard had a lean to one side so much that the wagon was thrown over on its side. Filled with empty milk bottles, the crash was heard

for blocks around and people soon appeared on the scene.

1947 – 75 YEARS AGO

A bit of major surgery by carpenters and electricians has transformed a big rotunda-like cavern in the rear of the Methodist church into useful and usable quarters for “the Lord’s work.” Ripping out a few partitions, putting a floor across the cavern to meet the balcony floors, and rearranging the general plan of both the first and second floors has almost doubled the working space in the part of the building which lies behind the sanctuary. Rapidly taking form in the rear center of the church is the new Boardman Memorial chapel, made possi ble by the bequest of a house and lot from the estate of the late S.W. Board man. The church sold the property, Rev. Russel W. Lambert, pastor of the church, said and utilized the money to make some long overdue repairs on the edi fice. The chapel is named in honor of the man who made it possible.

Mandel Herr of DeKalb purchased the Emil Johnson building located on Somonauk Street in the Sycamore down town district for $39,475.00 yesterday at public auction at the DeKalb County Courthouse. The bidding was light and slow, with but four bidders participating. There were only a few spectators.

Ten acres of land recently purchased by the Kirkland School system have been plowed, graded, seeded, mowed and

raked through the versatile ability of a Willys Jeep. The Jeep has been put to work on the 10-acre tract, turning it from ordinary farm land to a well cultivated lawn. The Jeep is owned by Carlson’s Standard Service of Kirkland, and is being driven by Warren Carlson, John Olson, ag teachers of the Kirkland High School.

Announcement was made by Secre tary of State Edward J. Barrett that a char ter has been issued to the First Congrega tional Church of DeKalb, located at the corner of Second and Grove streets. The charter was one of six issued not for profit corporations on Wednesday of this week according to the communication released by the office of the secretary of state.

On Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5, the DeKalb Community Mother’s Club will hold its annual bottle collection drive in DeKalb. The same method of collection will be used as in former drives with resi dents requested to place the bottle on the curbs.

1972 – 50 YEARS AGO

Workmen for the Chicago, Milwau kee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad sur veyed the damage in Wednesday after noon’s derailment at the Brown Street crossing in Genoa. Five cars were derailed with no major damage, but traf fic was tied up for about six hours at the crossing.

Big Stan topped Big John by 29 feet Wednesday to become Chicago’s tallest

building, for now. The new Standard Oil Building is 1,136 feet above ground level, compared with 1,109 feet above ground level for the John Hancock Center. The Hancock Center opened in 1969 and has 100 stores. The new Standard building has 80 stores.

This year’s Ellwood House Walks will feature the original Ellwood House, an inclusion that is long overdue. The origi nal Ellwood House was built by Col. and Mrs. Isaac L. Ellwood at 315 N. Third St. in 1860, the year following their mar riage. (They didn’t build their mansion at 509 N. First St. until 1879.)

Redistricting DeKalb’s seven wards, it appears, is going to be one of the big gest headaches of this DeKalb City Council. Monday night three members of the city council presented their version of what the new wards should look like and why. The meeting was necessary because the council passed an ordinance in August which stated that it would no longer redistrict the wards by registered voters, but based upon population.

1997 – 25 YEARS AGO

Federal Environmental Protection Agency officials were in DeKalb County cleaning up an oil spill Friday night. Someone illegally dumped six barrels, full of what appeared to be used motor oil, near a ditch in Afton Township along Waterman Road, just south of Keslinger Road. A nearby resident noticed the bar rels, which included two 55-gallon drums of oil and sludge, and called the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Police.

After just eight minutes of intense bidding, Chicago’s Field Museum of Nat ural History, with a little help from its corporate friends at McDonald’s and Dis ney, paid a staggering $8.4 million Satur day for a one-of-a-kind Tyrannosaurus rex fossil. The T-Rex, named “Sue” in honor of discoverer Susan Hendrickson, took center stage at a spot far removed from its former South Dakota home, Sotheby’s auction house.

It was a vote to save money. It was also called a decision to properly serve the aging population of DeKalb County. By a margin of 12-4, the DeKalb County Board voted to build the new county nursing home and health facility in the City of DeKalb serving taxpayers more than $1 million.

–CompiledbySueBreese

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center

Downtown DeKalb looking south on Third Street at Locust Street is seen Aug. 6, 1937.

Jill Konen sworn in to 23rd Judicial Circuit

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

SYCAMORE – Jill Konen told her family and colleagues Sept. 23 she was “humbled and grateful” to be sworn in as an Associate Judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit, marking the first time the circuit has had more women than men on the bench.

Retired 23rd Judicial Circuit Judge Ronald Matekaitis spoke to a nearly full courtroom before Konen took her oath. He noted that with Konen’s appointment, DeKalb County now has four women and three men judges serving the courts.

“I’m unaware of any other county in the state with seven or more judges that can say the same thing,” Matekai tis said.

Konen is filling a vacancy created by Judge Philip Montgomery, who in July transitioned from his position as an associate to circuit court judge after the retirement of Judge Thomas Doherty.

“The path to the bench for me was relatively easy because those who came before me paved the road on which I traveled,” Konen said.

Konen told the story of Myra Brad well and her quest to become a lawyer in Illinois 152 years ago. In 1869, Brad well petitioned the Illinois Supreme Court for a license to practice law but the Illinois Supreme Court refused to give her one because she was married.

Konen read aloud part of the unan imous decision that ruled against Bradwell in 1870, which said the Illi nois Supreme Court could not approve the license for Bradwell because it would mean women could fill any

office in the state.

“Whether, on the other hand, to engage in the hot strifes of the bar, in the presence of the public, and with momentous verdicts the prizes of the struggle, would not tend to destroy the deference and delicacy with which it is the pride of our ruder sex to treat her, is a matter certainly worthy of her consideration,” the 1870 opinion reads.

Despite the 1872 ruling, legislation passed by state officials in Illinois the same year said “no person shall be precluded or debarred from any occu pation, profession or employment (except military) on account of sex;” paving the way for women to be barred lawyers.

“And here we are today,” Konen said, “Women governors, women law yers, women sheriffs and yes, women judges.”

Konen, a Waterman-based private practice attorney, joins the bench of the 23rd Judicial Circuit with 20 years of experience. She graduated from Northern Illinois University’s College of Law in 2002. Born in Ohio, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo and achieved her Masters in Administra tion from Iowa State University.

Konen, who was robed by her daughter Amelia Konen, thanked her parents, Jim Sheeks and Donna Sheeks, for giving her and her siblings for their support. She said her parents instilled in her the values and princi ples to choose her own path.

“I owe my parents more than I would ever be able to express,” Konen said. “Mom, Dad, I love you and it means the world to me that you are here today.”

Mon 10/10

Fri 10/07 Sat 10/08 Sun

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG) All Seats $7 4:10, 6:00, 7:50 12:30, 2:20, 4:10, 6:00, 7:50 12:30, 2:20, 4:10, 6:00 6:00pm

Bros (R) All Seats

Ghostbusters (1984) (PG)

3:50, 6:20, 8:45 1:20, 3:50, 6:20, 8:45 1:20, 3:50, 6:20 6:20pm

Admission 3:40, 6:10, 8:35 1:10, 3:40, 6:10, 8:35 1:10, 3:40, 6:10, 8:35 6:10pm

Mark Busch – mbusch@shawmedia.com

Jill K. Konen is sworn in Friday, Sept. 23, as an associate judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court by Chief Judge Bradley Waller of the 23rd Judicial Circuit as her daughter Amelia Konen holds the Bible at the DeKalb County Courthouse in Sycamore.

BRIEFS

Free computer distribution drive scheduled for Oct. 6

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a free computer distribution drive from 5 to 7 p.m. Thurs day, Oct. 6.

Compudopt will provide computers to families in need who do not have access to a computer in their home. To qualify, families must have a child in kindergar ten through 12th grade and not own a computer in the home. Each family that qualifies and is chosen will receive only one computer.

Compudopt is distributing either desktops or laptops and does not guar antee one or the other. Registration is required to attend; visit dkpl.org.

For information, email samanthah@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1701.

DeKalb library hosting DIY fall gnomes workshop Oct. 8

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a DIY fall gnomes workshop at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room.

The workshop is open to adults only.

Materials will be provided to create a plush gnome and decorate it. Attendees can dress up their gnomes as a witch, a pumpkin farmer, or whatever they can come up with.

Because of limited supplies, the workshop is first come, first served.

For information, email irise@dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

Spooky science event being held Oct. 8 at the DeKalb library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a spooky anatomy science event at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.

The event is open to 10 families.

Northern Illinois University Anatomy will help participants make brain hats to teach about parts of the human brain and playdough GI tracts that show how Halloween candy travels through the body after being eaten.

Participants also can play with bones and put a human skeleton together. Reg istration is required; call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

For information, email lauraw@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

3654

DATES 10/4/2022-10/9/2022

Produce

DCCF, Kishwaukee College announce new scholarship fund

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation and the Kish waukee College Fund announced the creation of the Earl and Jeanne Pritchard Fund.

The new fund honors the life and legacy of Earl and Jeanne and provides an annual scholarship award to stu dents enrolled at Kishwaukee College pursuing a career in horticulture.

Applications are open for spring 2023 scholarships. Interested students

BRIEF

Kishwaukee College to host FAFSA workshop Oct. 13

MALTA – The Kishwaukee College Financial Aid Office will host a FAFSA infor mation workshop from 4 to 6 p.m. Thurs day, Oct. 13, at Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road.

The workshop will demonstrate how to file the 2023-24 Free Application for Fed

can review qualifications and apply online at kish.edu/kcfscholarships.

Earl and Jeanne Pritchard each grew up on farms in the Maple Park and Hinckley area. Earl was the fifth generation to join the family farming operation, which dates back to 1849. He graduated from Hinckley High School in 1937 and Jeanne in 1938. Following their marriage in 1941, they rented land in Pierce Township until buying their farm next to Earl’s father in 1947. They had two sons.

Earl served on the Hinckley-Big

Rock school board and DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District board. Jeanne graduated from the American Floral Art School in 1961 and worked as a floral designer at local flo ral shops.

She taught numerous classes in flower arrangements for local and county groups and judged flower dis plays at 4-H club shows.

Both Earl and Jeanne were active members of the Pierce United Method ist Church.

The Pritchards were active conser

vationists in their farming operation and planted more than 100 evergreens in a windbreak for their farm.

Earl died in 1972 at the age of 52 while Jeanne died in 2022 at the age of 102.

To make a donation to any fund at the DeKalb County Community Foun dation, visit dekalbccf.org/donate or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Ave., Syca more.

For information, call 815-748-5383 or email dan@dekalbccf.org.

eral Student Aid (FAFSA). The workshop will also guide attendees through the FAFSA submission process with an oppor tunity to ask questions to Kishwaukee Financial Aid team members. The FAFSA application period opens Saturday, Oct. 1.

Those who cannot attend the workshop can set up a one-on-one appointment with a Kishwaukee Financial Aid team member

Half Page 4.725 x 9.5

Half Page 4.725 x 9.5

by emailing finaid@kish.edu.

The information workshop or one-onone appointments are open to all area stu dents and their parents.

To prepare for the session or a one-onone appointment, first-time FAFSA filers should create a Federal Student Aid ID, which will be required to submit the FAFSA electronically, by visiting fsaid.ed.gov/. At

least one parent also will need to complete the Federal Student Aid ID for dependent students. Students and parents should have their 2021 tax return, income informa tion, social security numbers and driver’s license/state ID or alien registration card.

For information, visit kish.edu/finan cialaid.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

An Evening of Prayer, Meditation and Music.

An Evening of Prayer, Meditation

An Evening of Prayer, Meditation and Music.

Friday, October 7th, 2022, 7:00 P.M.

Friday, October 7th, 2022, 7:00

Friday, October 7th, 2022, 7:00 P.M.

Streamed via Zoom/YouTube [see church website for links]

S

Streamed via Zoom/YouTube [see church website for links]

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, DeKalb

Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org

Office: (815) 756 4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org

Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

Office: (815) 756-4888 Email: parishoffice@stpaulsdekalb.org Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

Website: www.stpaulsdekalb.org

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

The Reverend Barbara A. T. Wilson, Rector

Community invited to 4-H Carnival Oct. 9

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The community is invited to check out the annual Dis cover 4-H Carnival, set this year for Oct. 9, and learn more about what the 4-H programs can offer.

The carnival will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building on the corner of Peace and Bethany roads in Sycamore, according to a news release from DeKalb County’s University of Illinois Extension office.

The event will offer carnival games including Putt Putt gold, a hula hoop challenge, sack races, ring toss, face painting, frisbee throwing and more, with a chance to win prizes. Free hot dogs and popcorn will be available at the carnival, free to attend and open to all.

The event also will include informa tion on how to join a 4-H club, with lead ers and members on hand to answer questions.

4-H is a youth organization for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18 as of Sept. 1. The 4-H program offers over 170 different projects for youth to choose from. These projects range from com puters, visuals arts, foods, wildlife, pho tography, rocketry, animals, entomol

Harlan Marshall, 9, of DeKalb, and his grandma Sharon Marshall, also of DeKalb, check out some of the exhibits Thursday, July 14, at the 4-H General Project Show at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau in Sycamore.

ogy, woodworking and more. The 4-H program emphasizes the importance of “learning by doing” by allowing mem bers the opportunity to select project areas that are of interest to them.

The organization also offers a Clo verbud program for youth ages 5 to 7 as

of Sept 1. The Cloverbuds participate in hands-on learning activities to explore art, plants and animals, science and the environment.

For information, call the University of Illinois Extension office of DeKalb County at 815-758-8194.

BRIEFS

Alebrije art workshop taking place Oct 8. at DeKalb Library

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host an Ale brije art workshop for adults at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room.

Patrons will learn about the back ground of the Mexican folk art, Ale brije, and do a semi-guided painting project. All materials will be provided. Because of limited materials, the workshop will be first come, first served.

For information, email irise@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2150.

C’mon and Get Messy Oct. 10

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a Get Messy event at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, in the library’s Story and Activity Room.

Children can enjoy a variety of messy activities that might not be allowed at home. No registration is required.

For information, email theresaw@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 3350.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Stay comfortable and save this fall!

Qualifying customers may be eligible to receive FREE home energy and weatherization improvements, including air sealing and insulation.

Learn more at nicorgas.com/freeweatherization

This offer is available to Nicor Gas customers only. The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program is funded by Nicor Gas customers in compliance with state law.

Mark Busch file photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

Three-night virtual candidate forum set

Shaw Local News Network

DeKALB – DeKalb County voters can learn more about candidates for the DeKalb County Board, DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder’s Office and state representative for District 76 at an upcoming three-night virtual candidate forum event.

The DeKalb County League of Women Voters will sponsor several online candidate forums beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, through Thursday, Oct. 13, via Zoom. The can didates will be on the November gen eral election ballot.

Attendees can submit suggestions for candidate questions by Wednes day, Oct. 5, at wnij.org/election.

The preliminary forum schedule is:

Tuesday, Oct. 11: DeKalb County

BRIEFS

DeKalb County Clerk’s Office sending out new Voter ID cards

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Clerk’s Office announced that it will mail out new voter ID cards to voters in the DK04 and DK05 precincts.

The new ID cards will provide voters with easier access to their polling place.

Residents in the DK04 precinct can vote at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road, and

Board candidates from Districts 1, 3 and 4.

Wednesday, Oct. 12: DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder candidates Repub lican Tasha Sims, Republican, and Linh Nguyen, Democrat, and District 76 state representative candidates Lance Yednock and Jason Haskell)

Thursday, Oct. 13: DeKalb County Board candidates from Districts 8, 10, 11 and 12.

The schedule is subject to change. A final forum schedule will be avail able the week before the event at wnij.org and dkpl.org. The Zoom link for the forums is us02web.zoom. us/j/84982715112.

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Early voting is underway.

For information, visit illinoisvoter guide.org.

The following are the times and locations of Early & Grace Period Voting Sites in DeKalb County for the General Election being held on November 8, 2022.

*All Early & Grace Period Voting Sites are available to all DeKalb County Voters*

Sycamore Campus Legislative Center’s Gathertorium 200 N. Main St., Sycamore, IL 60178

Early & Grace Period Voting

Serving ALL County Precincts

September 29th – October 28th Monday – Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Grace Period Registration Begins – October 12th October 12th Wednesday

*County Board CoW 8:30am - Noon October 19th Wednesday

*County Board Meeting 8:30am - Noon October 29th – October 30th Saturday & Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

October 31st – November 4th Monday – Friday 8:30am - 7:00pm

November 5th – November 6th Saturday & Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm

November 7th Monday 8:30am - 7:00pm

DeKalb Township Building 2323 S. 4th St., DeKalb, IL 60115

Early & Grace Period Voting

Serving ALL County Precincts

October 24th – November 4th Everyday 8:30am - 4:30pm

NIU-Holmes Student Center Gallery Lounge 340 Carroll Ave., DeKalb, IL 60115

Early & Grace Period Voting

Serving ALL County Precincts

October 24th – November 4th Everyday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Kingston Friendship Center 120 Main St., Kingston, IL 60145

Early & Grace Period Voting

Serving ALL County Precincts

October 24th – November 4th Everyday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Sandwich Library 925 S. Main St., Sandwich, IL 60548

residents in the DK05 precinct will vote at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 Twombly Road.

Residents should take notice of their new polling place location on the ID card when they receive it.

For information, contact the DeKalb County Clerk’s Election office. The office’s phone number and other infor mation is provided on the ID card.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Early & Grace Period Voting

Serving ALL County Precincts

October 24th – November 4th Everyday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Dated at Sycamore, Illinois, September 19, 2022

DOUGLAS J. JOHNSON DEKALB COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER

Mark Busch file photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

The DeKalb County League of Women Voters will sponsor several online candidate forums beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, through Thursday, Oct. 13, via Zoom.

Sheriff’s office warning area residents of scammer

By CAMDEN LAZENBY clazenby@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is warning area resi dents to not give out financial informa tion over the phone, even if the call appears to be coming from the sheriff’s office, as a reported scam involving someone pretending to be a retired sheriff’s sergeant makes its rounds.

“So we’ve had a couple complaints that someone has contacted them via telephone and claiming to be a ser geant from the Sheriff’s office,” DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Sullivan said.

The telephone scammers claim they’re a sheriff’s office sergeant serv ing a civil process order, or court sum mons, and will threaten arrest or a warrant, according to the sheriff’s office. The scammers then try to solicit personal and financial information.

“So the fact is that we would never do that,” Sullivan said.

According to a Facebook post made by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, several of the reports the office has received about the telephone scam have said the phone number appeared to be the same number associated with the sheriff’s office, confusing potential victims.

“Rest assured, if we have civil pro cess paperwork or a warrant for your arrest, we will come to you. We will never call you and ask for financial

BRIEFS

DeKalb church hosting prayer evening Oct. 7

DeKALB – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road, will host a Taizé prayer evening at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7.

The evening will include a meditative candlelit gathering about praying and lis tening with the whole self rather than with the mind only. Participants in the Taizé will be invited to enter into prayer and attention to the sacred by singing simple chants.

Taizé is an ecumenical community in France that has been committed to pro moting and praying for reconciliation, peace and unity.

For information, call 815-756-4888.

information over the phone to satisfy either of these issues,” the post said.

The Sheriff’s office post said the individuals committing the scam “are using the name of a sergeant who has been retired for some time now,” in hopes of duping their victims into giv ing out personal information.

“So we wouldn’t solicit anything over the phone, that would not be any thing that we would ever do,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the practice of scam mers creating misleading caller identi fiers has happened over the past cou ple of years. When sheriff’s deputies follow up, they find the scammer num bers are not traceable. Sullivan said that means it’s not a real telephone number.

Residents should not provide any information and are urged to hang up immediately if a call resembling this scam is received, cautions the sheriff’s office.

“I would not give any financial infor mation over the phone,” Sullivan said. He also encouraged DeKalb residents to make a report to the sheriff’s office, or their local police department, if a call they’ve received sounds suspicious.

“If you have already received one of these calls and feel your financial or personal information has been com promised, call your local police depart ment to make a report,” according to the post.

Shabbona church serving pulled pork supper Oct. 5

SHABBONA – Shabbona Commu nity Church, 104 E. Navaho Ave., will host a barbecue pulled pork drive-thru dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednes day, Oct. 5.

Proceeds from the dinner will go toward the church’s scholarship fund.

The menu includes a pulled pork sandwich, cole slaw, baked beans and cookies.

Tickets for the dinner cost $13 and are available for pre-sale at the church.

For information or to buy tickets, call 815-824-2359.

Sneak a peek Oct. 6 of the DeKalb Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes Tour

Shaw Local News Network

SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main St., will host a sneak peak of its upcoming Pumpkin Fest Historic Homes tour at noon Thursday, Oct. 6.

Participants can learn about the historic homes turned into businesses or businesses turned into homes being featured in this year’s tour. The House Walk committee will discuss the his tory of the homes and also share infor mation about volunteer opportunities for the tour. The theme for this year’s tour will be “Working from Homes.”

Registration is required to attend. To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org and scroll down to “Upcoming Events.”

The sneak peak is part of the Brown Bag/Local Lore program, which is held the first Thursday of the month and co-sponsored by the Ellwood House and the DeKalb County History Center. The program is sponsored by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lec ture Fund.

For information, visit dekalbcount yhistory.org or call 815-895-5762.

Taizé evening of prayer, meditation, music returns

DeKALB – The community is invited to take part in Taizé, an evening of prayer, meditation and music, which will return to DeKalb on Friday, Oct. 7.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 900 Normal Road in DeKalb.

Participants will meet for a meditative candlelit gathering that is “simple, beauti ful and about praying and listening with the whole self rather than with the mind only,” according to a news release.

“By singing together simple chants, those participating in the way of Taizé are invited to enter into prayer and attention to the sacred,” the release states.

Taizé, an ecumenical community in France, has long been committed to pro moting and praying for reconciliation, peace and unity.

St. Paul’s will offer the meditative prayer evening on the first Friday of each month through Christmas – Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

For more information, call the Rev. Bar bara A.T. Wilson, rector of St. Paul’s Epis copal Church in DeKalb, at 815-756-4888.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

Photo provided by the DeKalb County History Center

This house will be featured in the DeKalb County History Center’s 2022 Historic Homes Tour, which takes place during Pumpkin Fest in Sycamore.

Learn local lore at one of 3 cemetery walks offered this month in DeKalb County

Shaw Local News Network

DeKALB – Three DeKalb County history organizations are planning cemetery walks this month: Leland History Center, DeKalb County His tory Center and the Hinckley Histori cal Society.

In celebration of the 150th anniver sary of Leland Cemetery, the Leland Historical Society will host a cemetery walk fundraiser at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the cemetery. There will be six “graveside chats.”

Tickets cost $15 for the public, $10 for members, and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at lelandhistory.org, or at the cemetery the day of the event. Limited wagon transportation will be available for those unable to walk the cemetery.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, the DeKalb County History Center will host “Etched in Stone” at 1:30 p.m. at Elmwood Ceme tery, where eight people will be high

lighted. The program will be led by a core of dedicated volunteers including representatives from the Sons of Union Veterans and Israel of God’s Church.

Stories include the Rev. Sorenson, Dr. James Harrington, Arthur Kin gren, Marshall Stark, Mattie Cross well and two bishops from the Israel of God’s Church – Bishop Jones and Bishop Thomas. The event will start at the morning house with an overview of the Elmwood Cemetery’s history. There is a $5 charge.

The Hinckley Historical Society will host its cemetery walk at 3 p.m. Sun day, Oct. 23, at Greenwood Cemetery on Somonauk Road south of Route 30. The society will share the cemetery’s history and stories connected to half a dozen people buried at Greenwood.

There is no charge, but visitors are asked for a good-will donation. There also will be refreshments served.

For information, visit dekalbcount yhistory.org, lelandhistory.org or hinckleyhistoricalsociety.org.

Shaw Local file photo

The DeKalb County History Center will host the “Etched in Stone” cemetery walk at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore. The stories of eight people will be highlighted.

DeKalb City Council reprimanded again by AG

By MEGANN HORSTEAD mhorstead@shawmedia.com

DeKALB – Audio from an Oct. 25, 2021, closed section of a DeKalb City Council meeting depicts city leaders discussing the performance of City Clerk Sasha Cohen, a move the Illinois Attorney General’s Office said was a violation of state law related to open public meetings.

The opinion determined that the city of DeKalb violated the state of Illinois’ Open Meetings Act and is subject to a set of terms set forth by the Public Access Bureau of the attorney general’s office.

A complaint was filed with the attor ney general’s office by DeKalb resident Mark Charvat, alleging the City Coun cil violated the open meetings law by discussing the clerk in the closed 2021 meeting, according to documents obtained by the Daily Chronicle through the Freedom of Information Act.

In a July 13 email sent from the attor ney general’s office to Charvat and DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Steve Sil verman, bureau chief of the Public Access Bureau, admonished the council.

“This office concludes that the City Council improperly discussed the city clerk and recording secretary position in closed session,” Silverman wrote.

“[...] This office requests that the City Council remedy that violation by vot ing to publicly disclose those portions of the closed-session minutes and ver batim recording.”

The audio recording, obtained almost a year after the October 2021 meeting by the Daily Chronicle, details

DeKalb city leaders taking time to dis cuss the clerk’s performance in a por tion of the meeting barred from public access. The conversation revolved around the clerk’s absence at several meetings and minute-taking perfor mance only months after he was sworn in to office in May 2021.

The city of DeKalb had argued to the attorney general’s office that a closed session was allowed in order to discuss whether Cohen’s continued absences in the summer meant the elected office was made vacant, records show.

The City Council last year created a new position to aid what they called a slack in clerical duties usually per formed by the city clerk, including what officials said at the time was inadequate record-keeping during public meetings.

When asked this week about the released audio recording and discus sions on his performance, Cohen said he doesn’t participate in council meet ings anymore.

“That move effectively rendered my presence at meetings an unneces sary duplication,” Cohen said. “It is ridiculous for two people to be sitting taking the same set of minutes when one’s are simply going to be ignored while the other’s will be passed with out even being read during the council meeting. As such, I have been no lon ger actively participating in the City Council meetings, as I will not lend credence to their actions.”

Mark Busch file photo – mbusch@shawmedia.com

DeKalb City Clerk Sasha Cohen is sworn in May 10, 2021, by in by 23rd Judicial Circuit Judge Ronald Matekaitis during a City Council meeting at the DeKalb Public Library.

BRIEFS

3D pumpkin carving event planned at DeKalb library Oct. 5

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a 3D printing pumpkin carving event at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the library’s 309 Creative Room.

The workshop is open to teens and adults. Patrons will learn how to use an introductory 3D modeling program to carve shapes and holes into a pre-gener ated pumpkin shape using the online TinkerCad software. After being walked through the first steps, patrons can edit

• CITY COUNCIL

from page 18

It’s the latest in an ongoing dispute between DeKalb city leaders and the city clerk since he was sworn in in May 2021.

Closed meeting audio review

Second Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson said in the Oct. 25, 2021, closed meeting that the city clerk’s minutes are very detailed if it’s a topic he’s pas sionate about; otherwise, there’s no involvement, audio records show.

“It’s not like he has maybe issues of doing it or whatever,” Larson said in the recording. “He wants to do it. They’re there. The rest of the time, if he’s not involved, we get resolution number and nothing after that. I mean, it was glaring, the difference.”

A brief discussion ensued among the council about Cohen – who last summer apologized for his absence and neglect of duties, at the time vow ing to remedy the situation.

But the quality of the clerk’s work remained in question, prompting the City Council to take remedial steps of its own.

When asked about his performance on the job this week, Cohen reiterated how he had asked for additional clerk training from the Municipal Clerks of

and customize their models. Patrons are encouraged to create a TinkerCad account beforehand. Because of limited space, the event is first come, first served.

For information, email techdesk@ dkpl.org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2851.

Candy corn wreath workshop scheduled for Oct. 5

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., will host a DIY candy corn wreath workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, in the library’s low

Illinois but City Manager Bill Nicklas denied the request in August 2021, cit ing Cohen’s absence and what city leaders called Cohen’s lack of profes sionalism.

The city instead appointed city employee Ruth Scott as recording sec retary to keep record of public meet ings. Cohen is not barred from attend ing meetings or taking his own notes under the council’s action, however.

In the October 2021 audio record ing, 4th Ward Alderman Greg Perkins called into question whether the coun cil is doing right by the taxpayers.

“By duplicating the minutes, are we addressing the core issue?” Perkins said.

But 1st Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Morris had a theory that the council was making a difference. In the audio recording, she said she thinks the council’s actions draw attention to the clerk’s shortcomings while the solu tion – to appoint a recording secretary – doesn’t harm the elected office.

“I think we leave it in the communi ty’s hands to say, ‘We don’t like this,’ ” Morris said in the October 2021 audio recording.

City response

Nicklas this week deferred com ment to the city attorney.

City Attorney Matt Rose said the city doesn’t agree with the public

er-level Zimmerman Meeting Room.

The workshop is intended for teens and adults. Children may attend if they are accompanied by an adult to assist them.

All materials are provided by the library. Because of limited supplies, the workshop is first come, first served.

For information, email isabelm@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 1700.

DeKalb library to host fall macramé workshop Oct. 6

DeKALB – The DeKalb Public Library,

access counselor’s opinion that the City Council had an improper discus sion because “if the office of the clerk was declared vacant, we could have gone into closed session.”

“As the city attorney, I disagree with the reasoning in the PAC infor mal opinion, but we accepted it and we complied with the directive to release the executive session verbatim record ing,” Rose said.

In the counselor’s opinion, Silver man said the city doesn’t have the legal authority, as a city-manager form of government, to remove a clerk from elected office.

Rose summed up the public access counselor’s opinion on the matter as

309 Oak St., will host a fall macramé DIY workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the library’s lower-level Zimmerman Meeting Room.

The workshop is intended for adults.

Attendees will learn how to make two types of fall macramé knots, then use those knots to make a seasonal wall hanging. The library will provide all of the materials. The workshop is first come, first served.

For information, email tristand@dkpl. org or call 815-756-9568, ext. 2114.

–ShawLocalNewsNetwork

“splitting hairs.”

“We couldn’t go into closed session to discuss whether the office was vacant or not, even though we had the power to declare the office vacant, and we had the power to discuss who would fill that vacancy if it was vacant,” he said.

It’s not the first time the city of DeKalb has been called out for violat ing the Open Meetings Act after dis cussing the clerk’s performance in a closed meeting. In 2019, the council also was required to publish audio recordings for a different closed ses sion meeting when it discussed thenCity Clerk Lynn Fazekas and the use of a stamp to notarize documents.

DeKalb Chamber celebrates bank merger

Photo provided by DeKalb Chamber of Commerce

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce staff, ambassadors, board members and community members celebrated Old National Bank’s recent merger with First Midwest Bank with a ribbon cutting on Sept. 20. Old National Bank has focused on community banking by building long-term, highly valued partnerships with their clients since its founding in 1834. Old National Bank’s DeKalb office is located at 130 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb. For information, visit oldnational.com or call 815-758-2600.

AMUSEMENTS

Photo

PUBLIC NOT ICE NOTICE FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Kish waukee College is re ceiving Requests for Qualificati ons for a Signage Consultant The request documents may be found on the College Website link: http://www.kish.edu/rfp

Closing date for Requests will be October 12, 2022 at 5pm, at which time the sealed requests will be opened.

Any specific questions should be directed to:

Kayte Hamel

Vice President of College Relations Kish waukee College 21193 Malta Road Malta, IL 60150 khamel@k ish.edu

(Published in Daily Chroni cl e 9/28/2022 & Midweek 10/5/2022) 2020584

Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022